Getting Roberts, Horsfall, Koiki & McWilliams tied down to new contracts would also be a priority ...
This. For me, it's all about long term strategy. All recruitment decisions should be made with one eye on becoming a sustainable L1 outfit in the long term.
Priority number 1 for me is securing Roberts, Horsfall and Koiki and McWilliams.
Horsfall and McWilliams were part of a defensive unit which held their own in League One towards the end of last season. Roberts is the best keeper we've had since Adam Smith and Koiki is a superb athlete with the potential to grow and develop with us. All four are potentially L1 standard players and would be very hard to replace.
Priority number 2 is improving our squad depth whilst also possibly signing one or two players for the
longer-term.Would be delighted if the Hylton rumours materialise: an experienced striker at this level and the level above with the intelligence to run the channels, hold the ball up and give us a different option to Etete. Signing someone like Hylton could help us over the line this year, and also give us some much-needed nous for a potential L1 campaign the following year when Etete goes.
As I've said before, I also think we need:
- Creative attacking midfielder with pace to give us a good option off the bench as a replacement for one of the attacking triumvirate behind the striker (young Prem/Champ loanee could work, but it would be great to bring someone in with a view to developing them for the longer term). We could bring in two players as Drilling suggests (winger and AM) or just bring in a player who can play both positions as a cheaper option.
- Cover for Sowerby and McWilliams in the DM 'pivot' position - as Drilling says, a McCormack/Sheehan type looking for a last hurrah would be ideal here
Like Drilling I would assume that Harriman, Dyche and Mills would give us enough cover in the defensive positions.
That's three key signings which I think could be made without breaking the bank. If Brady makes them then I would be pretty confident that we could sustain our form into the new year.
